2008 IC Technology Report: DRAM Technology

Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM) has a unique combination of characteristics that have made it the most widely used semiconductor memory in today's market. These traits include the ability to retain stored values as long as they are powered, and full accessibility of any individual cell at any time. Also, DRAM is less expensive than Static Random Access Memory (SRAM) and faster than Flash—this "sweet spot," where cost and speed intersect, led to the adoption of DRAM for main memory in computers and is largely responsible for its popularity.

This DRAM Technology report is one of 22 chapters in the full 2008 IC Technology report. The full report covers introductory material; unit process steps, such as photolithography and ion implant; process integration, including Intel's 45nm Microprocessor flow, as well and DRAM and Flash memory flows; and materials.